Garment with secured pocket

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein relate generally to athletic or leisure apparel, such as running shorts or pants. In some embodiments, a garment includes an outer shell coupled to a band and an inner shell disposed within the outer shell and coupled to the band. The outer shell includes a first material having a first surface area, and the inner shell includes a second material having a second surface area that is less than the first surface area. A pocket is coupled to, and extends from, an inner surface of the outer shell. A coupling mechanism secures the pocket to the inner shell. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism is a second pocket comprising the second material and coupled to the inner shell. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism includes a stitch or a tether.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/306,362, filed Mar. 10, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Active wear garments, such as running shorts and pants, can include pockets. A drawback of pocketed active wear garments is that the pockets are prone to unwanted movement during physical activity, particularly when articles are contained therein.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein relate generally to athletic or leisure apparel, such as running shorts and pants. In some embodiments, a garment includes an outer shell coupled to a band and an inner shell disposed within the outer shell and coupled to the band. In some embodiments, the outer shell can include a first material having a first surface area, and the inner shell can include a second material having a second surface area that is less than the first surface area. A pocket is coupled to, and extends from, an inner surface of the outer shell. A coupling mechanism secures the pocket to the inner shell. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism is a second pocket comprising the second material and is coupled to the inner shell. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism includes a stitch or a tether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a garment, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a garment with inner and outer shells and a pocket-type coupling mechanism, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B shows a front view of the garment of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of the garment of FIG. 2A, with one pocket withdrawn from its coupling mechanism.

FIG. 2D is a cross-section of a portion of the garment of FIG. 2A, including the pocket-type coupling mechanism in a first configuration.

FIG. 2E is a cross-section of a portion of the garment of FIG. 2A, including the pocket-type coupling mechanism in a second configuration.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a garment with inner and outer shells and a stitch-type coupling mechanism, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of the garment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a cross-section of a portion of the garment of FIG. 3A, including the stitch-type coupling mechanism.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a garment with inner and outer shells and a snap-type coupling mechanism, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B shows a front view of the garment of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of the garment of FIG. 4A, with one pocket withdrawn and detached from its coupling mechanism.

FIG. 4D is a cross-section of a portion of the garment of FIG. 4A, including the snap-type coupling mechanism.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a garment with inner and outer shells and a tether-type coupling mechanism, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a front view of the garment of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a cross-section of a portion of the garment of FIG. 5A, including the tether-type coupling mechanism.

FIG. 5D shows an enlarged photograph of a tether-type coupling mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Active wear garments, such as running shorts, can include pockets for storage of articles such as keys, snacks, cards, cash, music players, cell phones, etc. Some such pockets are integrated into shorts in pairs, for example one at each hip, and/or individually, for example as a “hidden” pocket inside the front or back region of the waistband or at a lower hem. Pockets in active wear garments are prone, however, to unwanted movement during physical activity, such as bouncing and shifting, particularly when articles are contained therein. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, improved garments are described whose pockets are secured by one or more coupling mechanisms.

In some embodiments, a garment includes an outer shell coupled to a band and an inner shell disposed within the outer shell and coupled to the band. The outer shell can include a first material having a first surface area, and the inner shell can include a second material having a second surface area that is less than the first surface area. A pocket is coupled to, and extends from, an inner surface of the outer shell. A coupling mechanism secures the pocket to the inner shell. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism is a second pocket comprising the second material and coupled to the inner shell. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism includes a stitch or a tether.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic block diagram of a garment, according to an embodiment, is shown. The garment 100 includes an outer shell 110, a band 120, and an inner shell 130 disposed within the outer shell 110. The outer shell 110 comprises a first fabric such as nylon, polyester, cotton, bamboo, Lycra®, Gore-Tex®, Coolmax®, polypropylene, tencel, wool, linen, X-Static®, or a blend of any of the foregoing. The inner shell 130 comprises a second fabric that can be the same or different from the first fabric. For example, in some embodiments, the second fabric is a form-fitting, compression-type and/or stretchable fabric such as spandex, Lycra®, nylon, polyester, Coolmax®, elastic, elastane, rubber, cotton, bamboo, or a blend of any of the foregoing. Either or both of the first fabric and the second fabric may have a moisture-wicking, anti-odor, heat retention and/or moisturizing property, for example by virtue of a mesh size of the fabric and/or a coating applied thereto. The second fabric of the inner shell 130 (also referred to herein as a “liner”) can be configured to apply a compressive force on a wearer of a garment when the second fabric is incorporated into the garment. Said another way, for a wearer of a given size, the outer shell 110 fits more loosely than the inner shell 130, which is disposed against the wearer's skin. Said another way, the inner shell 130 being disposed against the wearer's skill can result in the pocket being more “in sync” with the wearer's skin.

Each of the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 130 is coupled to the band 120, for example via stitching and/or adhesive. In some embodiments, the band 120 is constructed from at least one of the first fabric and the second fabric, and may further include a stretchable, compliant material such as elastic, and/or a drawstring. The band 120 can define a continuous closed surface (i.e., when worn), for example to circumscribe a wearer's waist (i.e., a “waistband”), and can include a closure mechanism such as a zipper, Velcro®, one or more buttons, or a lace-up closure.

The garment 100 further includes one or more pockets 140 disposed within the outer shell 110. The pocket 140 is a fabric bag or pouch that is attached to the outer shell, for example via stitching, so as to form part of the outer shell. In other words, the pocket 140 is integral with the outer shell 110 and accessible to a wearer via an opening in the outer surface of the outer shell 110 during use/wear. In some embodiments, the pocket 140 comprises any fabric set forth herein, such as those listed with reference to the first fabric and the second fabric (of the outer shell 110 and the inner shell 130, respectively), and may be the same as, or different from, the first fabric. In other embodiments, the pocket 140 comprises a mesh material.

The pocket 140 of the outer shell 110 is coupled to the inner shell 130 by a coupling mechanism 150 (which may also be referred to as an attachment, stabilizer, joint, connection, or damper). The coupling mechanism 150 can take various forms, as discussed in further detail with reference to FIGS. 2-7. For example, in some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 150 can include an additional pocket (distinct from the pocket 140) that is formed in or on the inner shell 130 (e.g., using the second fabric), into which the pocket 140 is disposed during wear of the garment 100. In other words, the pocket 140 is received in an auxiliary pocket of the coupling mechanism 150 in a “pocket-in-pocket” configuration. In some embodiments, the pocket 140 can be disposed in a “bottomless” inner pocket. In other embodiments, the coupling mechanism 150 can include one or more regions of stitching (stitches) at one or more locations of the pocket 140 (for example, along a boundary or perimeter region of the pocket 140). The stitching can include threads, fibers or filaments of any construction, including cotton, elastane, polyester, nylon, stretch thread, etc. In still other embodiments, the coupling mechanism 150 can include one or more regions of an adhesive disposed between the pocket 140 and the inner shell 130. In still other embodiments, the coupling mechanism 150 can include one or more tethers, which can be formed from a stretchable material, such as elastic. The coupling mechanism 150 mechanically couples the pocket 140 to the inner shell 130, provides additional structural stability to the garment as a whole, and dampens or reduces movement of the pocket 140 during physical activity while the garment 100 is being worn by a wearer. Although described herein as distinct, the coupling mechanism 150 can include any combination of the “pocket-in-pocket,” stitching and tether concepts, including combinations that include more than one instance of one of more of such concepts. For example, a pocket 140 may be secured to the inner shell 130 via two tethers and an additional pocket formed in or on the inner shell 130.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a garment 100 with inner and outer shells and a pocket-type coupling mechanism, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, a “pocket-in-pocket” configuration is formed in that the pockets 140 (or “first pockets”) of the outer shell 110 are at least partially received in, or disposed within, corresponding pockets 150 (or “second pockets”) of the inner shell 130. The pockets (or “pouches”) 150 of the inner shell 130 are formed using the same fabric as the inner shell 130 itself, and the recess or internal volume of each said pocket 150 of the inner shell 130 is located on a surface (outer or inner) of the inner shell 150. In other words, the pockets 150 of the inner shell 130 are formed by affixing or attaching (e.g., via stitching and/or adhesive) a section of fabric to the outer or inner surface of the inner shell 130 along a portion of the perimeter of the section of fabric. Both the inner shell 130 and the outer shell 110 depend from a waistband 120. FIG. 2B shows a front view of the garment 100 of FIG. 2A. Each of the pockets 140 of the outer shell 110 and the pockets 150 of the inner shell 130, as shown in FIG. 2B, has an elongate shape. Although shown in FIG. 2B to have differing shapes and differing sizes, the pockets 140 and 150 can have the same shape and/or the same size, depending upon the implementation.

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of the garment 100 of FIG. 2A, with one pocket 140 withdrawn from its coupling mechanism 150. The pocket 140 of the outer shell 110, as shown in FIG. 2C, is removable from the pocket/coupling mechanism 150 of the inner shell 130, however in other embodiments the pocket 140 of the outer shell 110 is permanently attached to the pocket/coupling mechanism 150 of the inner shell 130.

FIG. 2D is a cross-section of a portion of the garment of FIG. 2A, including the pocket-type coupling mechanism 150 in a first configuration. The inner shell 130 is a compression short connected along a top edge thereof to the waistband 120. The outer shell 110 is also connected at a top edge thereof to the waistband 120, and includes the outer shell pocket 140. The inner shell 130 includes the inner shell pocket 150 on an outer surface thereof, such that the inner shell pocket 150 is disposed between the inner shell 130 and the outer shell 110. During use or wear, the outer shell pocket 140 is disposed within the inner shell pocket 150. In other words, the pockets 140 of the outer shell 110 are inserted into respective pockets 150 of the inner shell 130 by causing the outer shell pockets 140 to be inserted into respective pocket openings (e.g., upwardly-facing openings) of the inner shell pockets 150.

FIG. 2E is a cross-section of a portion of the garment of FIG. 2A, including the pocket-type coupling mechanism in a second configuration. As in FIG. 2D, the inner shell 130 is a compression short connected along a top edge thereof to the waistband 120. The outer shell 110 is also connected at a top edge thereof to the waistband 120, and includes the outer shell pocket 140. The inner shell 130 includes the inner shell pocket 150 on an inner surface thereof, such that the inner shell 130 is disposed between the inner shell pocket 150 and the outer shell 110. During use or wear, the outer shell pocket 140 traverses the inner shell 130 and is disposed within the inner shell pocket 150. In other words, the pockets 140 of the outer shell 110 are inserted into respective pockets 150 of the inner shell 130 by causing the pockets 140 to traverse the outer surface of the inner shell 130 via respective pocket openings.

In some embodiments, both inner shell pockets 150 are formed on an inner surface of the inner shell 130 as shown in FIG. 2E. However, in other embodiments, one of the inner shell pockets 150 may be formed on the inner surface of the inner shell 130, and one of the inner shell pockets 150 may be formed on an outer surface of the inner shell 130, or both inner shell pockets 150 may be formed on the outer surface of the inner shell 130 (e.g., as shown and described with reference to FIG. 2D). In either case, both outer shell pockets 140 may still be inserted into respective inner shell pockets 150 prior to wear. A wearer may elect to secure one or both outer shell pockets 140 using the “pocket-in-pocket” configuration of FIGS. 2A-2C (or any other configuration described herein), depending upon the wearer's need to secure the pockets. In other words, in some implementations, the outer shell pockets 140 are removable from, or removably disposed within, the inner shell pockets 150, and are not attached to them. In other embodiments, one or both of the outer shell pockets 140 may be removably (e.g., via Velcro, snaps, buttons, adhesive, etc.) or permanently attached (e.g., via stitching, adhesive, etc.) to associated inner shell pockets 150.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a garment 200 with inner and outer shells and a stitch-type coupling mechanism, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, each of the pockets 240 of the outer shell 210 is coupled to a corresponding portion of inner shell 230 via a plurality of stitch regions 250 (collectively, a “coupling mechanism”). Each said stitch region 250 comprises one or more threads, fibers or filaments of any construction, including cotton, elastane, polyester, nylon, stretch thread, etc. Each said stitch region 250 includes one or more stitches (also referred to as a “tack” or “baste”) in a suitable pattern, such as a running stitch, zig- zag, hemming stitch, basting stitch, catch stitch, slip stitch, backstitch, overcast stitch, invisible stitch, and/or the like. Although shown in FIG. 3A to include three stitch regions 250 for each pocket, in other embodiments, more than three stitch regions 250 or only a single stitch region 250 may be used to affix each pocket 240 to the inner shell 230. The stitch regions 250 may be positioned in locations along an edge of a pocket 240 such that they are substantially evenly spaced or distributed along the edge of the pocket 240, for example to provide uniform stability. Both the inner shell 230 and the outer shell 210 depend from a waistband 220. FIG. 3B shows a front view of the garment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a cross-section of a portion of the garment of FIG. 3A, showing the stitch-type coupling. The inner shell 230 is a compression short connected along a top edge thereof to the waistband 220. The outer shell 210 is also connected at a top edge thereof to the waistband 220, and is connected to, or is integrally formed with, the pocket 240. The pocket 240 is attached to the inner shell 230 via stitch regions 250.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a garment with inner and outer shells and a snap-type coupling mechanism, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4A, each of the pockets 340 of the outer shell 310 is coupled to a corresponding portion of inner shell 330 via a plurality of mechanical snaps 350 (collectively, a “coupling mechanism”). Each said snap 350 comprises a metal or plastic material. Although shown in FIG. 4A to include three snaps 350 for each pocket, in other embodiments, more than three snaps 350 or only a single snap 350 may be used to affix each pocket 340 to the inner shell 330. The snaps 350 may be positioned in locations along an edge of a pocket 340 such that they are substantially evenly spaced or distributed along the edge of the pocket 340, for example to provide uniform stability. Both the inner shell 330 and the outer shell 310 depend from a waistband 320. Although shown and described to comprise mechanical snaps in FIG. 4A, any other suitable type of mechanical connector, such as buttons or Velcro, may be used in addition to snaps, or as an alternative means of affixing the pockets 340 to the inner shell 330. FIG. 4B shows a front view of the garment of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of the garment of FIG. 4A, with one pocket withdrawn and detached from its coupling mechanism. As shown in FIG. 4C, first portions (e.g., one or more of a socket, stud, post, prong, etc.) of the snaps 350 are disposed on an inner surface of the inner shell 330, and complementary second portions (e.g., one or more of a socket, stud, post, prong, etc.) of the snaps 350 are disposed on a surface of the pocket(s) 340. The pocket 340 of the outer shell 310, as shown in FIG. 4C, is removable from (and re-attachable to) the inner shell 330, however in other embodiments the pocket 340 of the outer shell 310 is permanently attached to the inner shell 330 via the snaps 350.

FIG. 4D is a cross-section of a portion of the garment of FIG. 4A, including the snap-type coupling mechanism 350. The inner shell 330 is a compression short connected along a top edge thereof to the waistband 320. The outer shell 310 is also connected at a top edge thereof to the waistband 320, and is connected to, or is integrally formed with, the pocket 340. The pocket 340 is attached to the inner shell 330 via snaps 350.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a garment with inner and outer shells and a tether-type coupling mechanism, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5A, each of the pockets 440 of the outer shell 410 is coupled to a corresponding portion of inner shell 430 via one or more tethers 450 (collectively, a “coupling mechanism”). Each tether 450 is affixed (e.g., via stitching and/or adhesive) to a corresponding pocket 440 and to a corresponding region of the inner shell 430. Each said tether 450 comprises a tether material comprising one or more of: nylon, elastic (e.g., band or cord), rubber, cloth, fabric, and any of the first and second fabrics discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the tether material is stretchable, while in other embodiments, the tether material is substantially inelastic. First ends of the tethers 450 may be positioned in locations along an edge of a corresponding pocket 440 such that they are substantially evenly spaced or distributed along the edge of the pocket 440, for example to provide uniform stability, and second ends of the tethers 450 are disposed on the inner shell 430. Both the inner shell 430 and the outer shell 410 depend from a waistband 420. Although shown and described to include on tether 450 for each pocket, more than one tether 450 may be used to affix each pocket 440 to the inner shell 430. For example, a tether 450 may be positioned at each lower corner of the pockets 440. In some embodiments, a tether 450 may be connected at a first end to a first pocket 440 and connected at a second end to a second pocket 440. In still further embodiments, only one pocket 440 is attached to a tether 450. FIG. 5B shows a front view of the garment of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a cross-section of a portion of the garment of FIG. 5A, including the tether-type coupling mechanism. The inner shell 430 is a compression short connected along a top edge thereof to the waistband 420. The outer shell 410 is also connected at a top edge thereof to the waistband 420, and is connected to, or is integrally formed with, the pocket 440. The pocket 440 is attached to the inner shell 430 via tether 450. FIG. 5D shows a magnified photograph of a tether-type coupling mechanism 450 coupled to an inner shell 430 and a pocket 440 of an outer shell 410.

Although some implementations described herein are specifically described as comprising shorts, aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to any other type of garment, such as t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, jackets, trousers, etc. Further, any combination of the foregoing coupling mechanisms in a single garment is contemplated. Although embodiments are shown and described as having two pockets, garments having only one pocket, or three or more pockets, some or all of which include one or more coupling mechanisms as described herein, are also contemplated.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” generally mean plus or minus 10% of the value stated, for example about 250 μm would include 225 μm to 275 μm, about 1,000 μm would include 900 μm to 1,100 μm.

While various embodiments of the system, methods and devices have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in a certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and such modification are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. The embodiments have been particularly shown and described, but it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made. 

1. A garment, comprising: an outer shell coupled to a band, the outer shell including a first material and having a first surface area; an inner shell disposed within the outer shell and coupled to the band, the inner shell including a second material and having a second surface area lower than the first surface area; a pocket coupled to and extending from an inner surface of the outer shell; and a coupling mechanism configured to secure the pocket to the inner shell.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the pocket is a first pocket, and the coupling mechanism is a second pocket comprising the second material, the second pocket coupled to and extending from an outer surface of the inner shell, the second pocket configured to receive the first pocket during wear of the garment by a wearer.
 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the pocket is a first pocket, and the coupling mechanism is a second pocket comprising the second material, the second pocket coupled to and extending from an inner surface of the inner shell, the second pocket configured to receive the first pocket during wear of the garment by a wearer.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a stitch disposed so as to traverse the pocket and the inner shell.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a tether having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end of the tether attached to the pocket and the second end of the tether attached to the inner shell.
 6. A garment, comprising: a waistband; an inner shell coupled to the waistband, the inner shell including a stretchable fabric configured to be disposed against the skin of a wearer of the garment; an outer shell coupled to at least one of the waistband and the inner shell; and a pocket extending from an opening in the outer shell and coupled to the inner shell.
 7. The garment of claim 6, wherein the stretchable fabric of the inner shell is configured to apply a compressive force on the wearer of the garment.
 8. The garment of claim 6, wherein the stretchable fabric includes at least one of spandex, Lycra®, nylon, polyester, Coolmax®, elastic, elastane, rubber, cotton, and bamboo.
 9. The garment of claim 6, wherein the pocket is coupled to the inner shell via a coupling mechanism.
 10. The garment of claim 9, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a second pocket coupled to and extending from an inner surface of the inner shell, the second pocket configured to receive the first pocket.
 11. The garment of claim 9, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a stitch.
 12. The garment of claim 9, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a tether having a first end and a second end, the first end of the tether attached to the pocket and the second end of the tether attached to the inner shell.
 13. The garment of claim 12, wherein the tether is elastic.
 14. A garment, comprising: a waistband; an outer shell coupled to the waistband, the outer shell including a first material; an inner shell disposed within the outer shell and coupled to the waistband, the inner shell including a second material different from the first material; a pocket extending from an opening in the outer shell; and a coupling mechanism operable to attach the pocket to the inner shell, the couple mechanism configured to dampen movement of the pocket during movement of the garment.
 15. The garment of claim 14, wherein the inner shell includes a stretchable fabric configured to be disposed against the skin of a wearer of the garment.
 16. The garment of claim 15, wherein the outer shell has a first surface area and the inner shell has a second surface area, the second surface area less than the first surface area.
 17. The garment of claim 14, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a tether having a first end and a second end, the first end of the tether attached to the pocket and the second end of the tether attached to the inner shell.
 18. The garment of claim 17, wherein the tether is elastic.
 19. The garment of claim 14, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a stitch.
 20. The garment of claim 14, wherein the pocket is a first pocket, and the coupling mechanism is a second pocket coupled to the inner shell, the second pocket configured to receive the first pocket. 